Information processing apparatus and output apparatus

ABSTRACT

An information processing apparatus includes an acquiring unit for acquiring information from a printer connected through a bidirectional interface, and a control unit for controlling a display status of a virtual printer, which is displayed on a display screen and represents the printer, on the basis of the information acquired by the acquiring unit. An output apparatus includes a setting unit for setting an operating environment, and a changing unit for changing operating environment information set by the setting unit on the basis of information acquired from an information processing apparatus connected through a bidirectional interface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an information processingapparatus for sending data to an output apparatus, such as a printer,which is connected through a bidirectional interface, and an outputapparatus for receiving data from an information processing apparatus,such as a host computer, which is connected through a bidirectionalinterface, and performing output processing.

[0003] 2. Related Background Art

[0004] Recently, a recording apparatus or a recording system capable ofexecuting processing of the above sort is constructed by a host computerand a printer which is connected to the host computer through aninterface (e.g., a Centronics interface). The recording apparatus or therecording system analyzes output information supplied from the hostcomputer and develops bit-map data as output data of, e.g., a laser beamprinter. The apparatus or the system then scan-exposes a photosensitivedrum with a laser beam modulated on the basis of this developed data,thereby performing image recording.

[0005] In the case of a printer with an emulation function, a pluralityof printer control language systems can be processed; the printer canexecute printing while switching between an emulation mode and a nativemode in accordance with applications that a user executes. The printerof this type has switches for switching the printer control languagesand card slots for giving switching designation.

[0006] In addition, as the printing control functions of a printer havebeen increased in number in recent years, operations of an operationpanel of a printer main body have become complicated. Therefore, aso-called “setup utility” by which a host computer performs varioussettings of a printer connected to the host computer generally has setitems appearing in the form of a menu on a display.

[0007] Such a “setup utility” allows a host computer to performoperations which are usually performed from an operation panel of aprinter. In many cases, however, the host computer performs operationsfor selecting items one-sidedly for the printer, so the status of theprinter is not reflected on the display in real time. In addition, areal-time display of a paper feed condition of the printer is oftenperformed on only the panel of the printer main body.

[0008] Furthermore, if some error occurs in a printer located apart froma host computer, an operator operating the host computer moves to theinstallation location of the printer to perform a recovery operation forthat error, checking an error code displaying on a display panel of aprinter operating unit while referring to a manual, and executing anecessary error recovery operation.

[0009] As described above, when the environment of a printer system isconstructed by a host computer and a printer connected to the hostcomputer through a predetermined interface, an operator cannot visuallyunderstand the settings, status, and error recovery of the printer. Thisresults in very poor operability due to heavy loads of a printerenvironment setting operation and an error recovery operation on theoperator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems,and has as its object to provide an information processing apparatus andan output apparatus, in which the setting statuses of a printerconnected and a virtually displayed printer are monitored and set tocorrespond to each other, operation designation for the printer can berealized by operation designation on the virtual printer by simulatingthe printing status and the printer panel display status of the printeron the virtual printer, and the status of a printing sequence of theprinter can be visually checked on the virtual printer.

[0011] In order to achieve the above object of the present invention,there is provided an information processing apparatus comprisingacquiring means for acquiring information from a printer connectedthrough a bidirectional interface, and control means for controlling adisplay status of a virtual printer, which is displayed on a displayscreen and represents the printer, on the basis of the informationacquired by the acquiring means.

[0012] In order to achieve the above object of the present invention,there is provided an output apparatus comprising setting means forsetting an operating environment, and changing means for changingoperating environment information set by the setting means on the basisof information acquired from an information processing apparatusconnected through a bidirectional interface.

[0013] As described above, the operating environmental statusinformation of a printer connected to a host computer via abidirectional interface is acquired, and the simulated operation displaystatus of a virtual printer displayed on the display screen of the hostcomputer is controlled on the basis of the acquired operatingenvironmental status information. In addition, designation informationfor the virtual printer is acquired from the host computer, and theoperating environmental status of the printer is set to correspond tothat of the virtual printer on the basis of the acquired designationinformation. Therefore, the connected printer can be displayed as avisual cubic image on the screen of the host computer by means of thevirtual printer. It is also possible to display the status and settingsof the printer on the virtual printer and reflect the settings of thevirtual printer on the connected printer.

[0014] Furthermore, the panel setting status information of a printerconnected to a host computer through a bidirectional interface isacquired, and the simulated operation display status of a virtual paneldisplayed on the display screen of the host computer is controlled onthe basis of the acquired panel setting status information. Thedesignation information for the virtual panel is also acquired from thehost computer, and the panel setting status of the printer is set tocorrespond to that of the virtual panel on the basis of the acquireddesignation information. This makes it possible to display the panelstatus and settings of the printer on the virtual panel and reflect thesettings of the virtual panel on the panel of the printer.

[0015] A user, therefore, can activate the panel simulation or the setuputility of the printer by a simple operation of designating a desiredportion of the printer virtually displayed on the screen of the hostcomputer. This enables the user to confirm the printer status andperform environmental setting of the printer without making any mistakeswhile visually monitoring the printer virtually displayed on the hostcomputer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the arrangement of a firstrecording apparatus to which the present invention is applicable;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of asecond recording apparatus to which the present invention is applicable;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the control system of thesecond recording apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of aprinter control system according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a virtual printer display sequencein the printer control system according to the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 6 is a view showing a virtual printer display transitionstatus in the printer control system according to the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 7 is a view showing a virtual printer display transitionstatus in the printer control system according to the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 8 is a view showing a virtual printer display transitionstatus in the printer control system according to the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 9 is a view showing a virtual printer display transitionstatus in the printer control system according to the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a virtual panel simulationsequence shown in FIG. 5;

[0026]FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a printer panel locking sequenceshown in FIG. 5;

[0027]FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing another printer panel lockingsequence different from that shown in FIG. 5;

[0028]FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a power switch (P/S) simulationsequence shown in FIG. 5;

[0029]FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an attached card simulationsequence shown in FIG. 5;

[0030]FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an interface simulation sequenceshown in FIG. 5;

[0031]FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing a paper feed cassette simulationsequence shown in FIG. 5;

[0032]FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing a paper feed tray simulationsequence shown in FIG. 5;

[0033]FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an option slot simulation sequenceshown in FIG. 5;

[0034]FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing a paper delivery tray simulationsequence shown in FIG. 5; and

[0035]FIG. 20 is a view showing contents in a cross section display modeof a virtual printer in the printer control system according to thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0036] Before an explanation of the arrangement of this embodiment, thearrangements of a laser beam printer and an ink jet printer suitable forthis embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.Note that a printer to which this embodiment is applied is not limitedto the laser beam printer and the ink jet printer but may be a printerof another printing system.

[0037]FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the arrangement of a firstrecording apparatus, for example, a laser beam printer (LBP), to whichthe present invention is applicable.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, an LBP main body 1500 receives and storesprint information (e.g., character codes), form information, or macroinstructions supplied from an externally connected host computer. TheLBP main body 1500 forms character patterns or form patternscorresponding to the input information and forms images on recordingpaper as a recording medium. The LBP main body 1500 includes anoperation panel 1501, on which switches and LED indicators foroperations are arranged, and a printer control unit 1000 for controllingthe overall LBP main body 1500 and analyzing character information andthe like supplied from the host computer. The printer control unit 1000primarily converts character information into a video signal with thecorresponding character pattern and applies the signal to a laser driver1502. The laser driver 1502 is a circuit for driving a semiconductorlaser 1503; the laser driver 1502 switches on and off a laser beam 1504emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 in accordance with the inputvideo signal. The laser beam 1504 scan-exposes an electrostatic drum1506 while being oscillated sideways by a rotary polygon mirror 1505. Asa result, an electrostatic latent image of the character pattern isformed on the electrostatic drum 1506. This latent image is developed bya developing unit 1507 arranged around the electrostatic drum 1506 andtransferred onto recording paper. Cut sheets are used as the recordingpaper, and these cut sheets are housed in a paper cassette 1508 attachedto the LBP main body 1500. The cut sheets are fed into the printer andsupplied to the electrostatic drum 1506 by a paper supply roller 1509and paper feed rollers 1510 and 1511.

[0039]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of asecond recording apparatus, for example, an ink jet recording apparatus(IJRA), to which the present invention is applicable.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, a carriage HC engaging with a spiral groove5004 of a lead screw 5005 which is rotated in association with theforward and backward rotations of a drive motor 5013 via driving forcetransmission gears 5011 and 5009 has a pin (not shown) and is thereforereciprocated in directions indicated by arrows a and b. An ink jetcartridge IJC is mounted on the carriage HC. A paper holding plate 5002urges paper against a platen 5000 over the full width in the carriagemoving direction. Photocouplers 5007 and 5008 function as home positiondetecting means for checking the presence of a lever 5006 of thecarriage in this area and performing switching between the rotationaldirections of the motor 5013. A support member 5016 supports a capmember 5022 for capping the entire surface of a recording head, and asucking means 5015 for sucking the interior of the cap to performsuction-recovery for the recording head through an opening 5023 insidethe cap. A cleaning blade 5017 can be moved forward and backward by amember 5019. A main body support plate 5018 supports the members 5017and 5019. A lever 5012 for starting suction of the suction-recoverymoves in association with the movement of a cam 5020 which engages withthe carriage, controlling the driving force from the drive motor througha known transmitting means, such as clutch switching.

[0041] The apparatus is arranged such that capping, cleaning, andsuction-recovery can be performed at their respective positions by theaction of the lead screw 5005 when the carriage moves to an area on thehome position side; that is, a desired operation need only be performedat a timing known to those skilled in the art.

[0042]FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the control system of thesecond recording apparatus shown in FIG. 2.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, this control system includes an interface1700 for applying recording signals, an MPU 1701, a program ROM 1702 forstoring, e.g., control programs to be executed by the MPU 1701, and aDRAM 1703 for storing various data (such as the recording signals andrecording data to be supplied to a head). A gate array 1704 controls thesupply of the recording data to a recording head 1708 and also controlsthe transfer of data between the interface 1700, the MPU 1701, and theDRAM 1703. A carriage motor 1710 carries the recording head 1708, and apaper feed motor 1709 feeds recording paper. A head driver 1705 drivesthe recording head, a motor driver 1706 drives the paper feed motor1709, and a motor driver 1707 drives the carriage motor 1710.

[0044] In the recording apparatus with the above arrangement, when arecording signal is applied from a host computer 100 (to be describedlater) through the interface 1700, this recording signal is convertedinto recording data for printing by the gate array 1704 and the MPU1701. Then the motor drivers 1706 and 1707 are driven, and the recordinghead is also driven by the recording data supplied to the head driver1705, thereby executing printing.

[0045] The MPU 1701 can perform communications with the host computer100 (to be described later) through the interface 1700; the MPU 1701 caninform the host computer 100 (to be described later) of memoryinformation related to the DRAM 1703 and resource data (includingoperating environmental status information and panel setting statusinformation to be described later).

[0046] [Embodiment]

[0047]FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of aprinter control system according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. The first embodiment will be described below by taking thelaser beam printer (FIG. 1) as an example. Note that the presentinvention can be applied to any of a single apparatus, a systemcomprising a plurality of apparatuses, and a system in which processingis executed via a network, such as a LAN, provided that the functions ofthe present invention are executed.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 4, the host computer 100 has a CPU 1 forexecuting processing for documents consisting of graphics, images,characters, tables (including spreadsheets), and the like on the basisof document processing programs stored in a ROM 2. The CPU 1systematically controls individual devices connected to a system bus 4.

[0049] The ROM 2 stores the control programs of the CPU 1 shown in theflow charts of FIG. 5 and the like. A RAM 3 serves as a main memory anda work area for the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls keyinputs from a keyboard 9. A CRT controller (CRTC) 6 controls a displayon a CRT display (CRT) 10. A disk controller (DKC) 7 controls access toa hard disk (HD) 11 and a floppy disk (FD) 12 which store boot programs,various applications, font data, user files, edit files, and virtualprinter image data (to be described later). A printer controller (PRTC)8 is connected to the printer 1500 through a predetermined bidirectionalinterface (interface) 13 and executes processing for controllingcommunications with the printer 1500. Interface circuits 8 a and 18 acontrol command communication processing and recording informationprocessing executed between the printer 1500 and the host computer 100through the interface 13.

[0050] The CPU 1 executes processing for developing (rasterizing) anoutline font into a display information RAM set in the RAM 3, allowingWYSIWYG on the CRT 10. The CPU 1 also opens various registered windowson the basis of commands designated by a mouse cursor (not shown) or thelike on the CRT 10, executing various tasks of data processing. Inaddition, the CPU 1 manages the virtual printer image data or thevirtual panel image data stored in the hard disk 11. That is, the CPU 1controls the setting of a printer mode on the basis of designation by apointing device (not shown) for the virtual printer displayed on the CRT10 and displays the setting status on the virtual display unit. The CPU1 then transfers the mode setting information to the printer 1500, andthe CPU 14 controls the setting of the display status on the operationpanel 1501 so that the printer setting statuses of the actual andvirtual printers correspond to each other. The setting information(stored in the RAM 16) on the operation panel 1501 is also informed tothe host computer 100. The CPU 1 controls the display of the virtualprinter so that the display status of the virtual printer alsocorresponds to the mode setting status of the printer.

[0051] In the printer 1500, a printer CPU 14 systematically controlsaccess to various devices connected to a system bus 17 on the basis ofcontrol programs and the like (indicated by the flow chart shown in FIG.11) stored in a ROM 15 and outputs image signals as print data to aprinter mechanism (printer engine) 20 connected through a printerinterface 19. The memory capacity of a RAM 16 can be extended by anoptional RAM connected to an expansion port. Note that the RAM 16 storesoperating environmental status information and panel set statusinformation (to be described later), and the information is sequentiallyupdated by the CPU 14.

[0052] The printer control system also includes at least one card slot(not shown) so that optional font cards and cards (emulation cards)storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of differentlanguage systems can be connected and used, in addition to internallystored fonts. Note that the above-mentioned panel setting statusinformation and the like may be stored in an NVRAM (not shown).

[0053] In the printer control system with the above arrangement, whenthe CPU 1 acquires operating environmental status information from theRAM 16 in the printer connected to the host computer 100 through thebidirectional interface 13, the CPU 1 controls the simulated operationdisplay status of the virtual printer displayed on the display screen(CRT 10) of the host computer 100. In addition, when the CPU 14 acquiresdesignation information for the virtual printer from the host computer100, the CPU 14 sets the matching between the operating environmentalstatuses of the printer and the virtual printer on the basis of theacquired designation information. Therefore, the connected printer canbe displayed as a visual cubic image on the screen of the host computerby means of the virtual printer. It is also possible to display thestatus and settings of the printer on the virtual printer and reflectthe settings of the virtual Printer on the printer.

[0054] The virtual printer control operation will be described belowwith reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 5 and the virtual displaystatuses shown in FIGS. 6 to 9.

[0055]FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a virtual printer display sequenceperformed by the CPU 1 in the printer control system according to thepresent invention, in which processing steps (1) to (15) areillustrated.

[0056] In step (1), the CPU 1 checks whether a display of the virtualprinter is requested by designation by the pointing device (not shown)or the keyboard 9 of the host computer 100. If YES in step (1), the flowadvances to step (2), and, as shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 1 displays a 3Dimage (three-dimensional image) of the virtual printer corresponding tothe connected printer 1500 in a window W1 on the CRT 10.

[0057] Subsequently, in step (3), the CPU 1 checks whether a viewpointand scroll bars SB1 and SB2 are designated by a cursor K through the useof the pointing device (not shown). If YES in step (3), the CPU 1rotates the cubic image of the virtual printer in the directionsdesignated by the scroll bars SB1 and SB2 in step (6), and the flowreturns to step (2).

[0058] In step (4), the CPU 1 checks whether any of desired positions P1to P6 in virtual printer images PIM1 to PIM3 shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 isdesignated by the cursor. If NO in step (4), the CPU 1 executes othercorresponding processes in step (5). If YES in step (4), the CPU 1determines the position designated by the cursor K, activating one ofsimulators (to be described in detail later) corresponding to thedesignated position (steps (8) to (15)), and ending the processing.

[0059] As described above, the operating environmental statusinformation (stored in the RAM 16) of the printer 1500 connected to thehost computer 100 through the bidirectional interface (e.g., RS232C) 13is acquired, and the simulated operation display status of the virtualprinter displayed on the display screen of the host computer 100 iscontrolled on the basis of the acquired operating environmental statusinformation.

[0060] In addition, the designation information for the virtual printer(virtual printer images PIM1 to PIM3) is acquired from the host computer100, and the operating environmental status of the printer 1500 is setto correspond to that of the virtual printer on the basis of theacquired designation information. Therefore, the printer 1500 connectedcan be displayed as a visual cubic image on the screen of the hostcomputer 100 by means of the virtual printer. It is also possible todisplay the status and settings of the printer 1500 on the virtualprinter and reflect the settings of the virtual printer on the printer1500.

[0061] Furthermore, the panel setting status information stored in theRAM 16 of the printer 1500 connected to the host computer 100 throughthe bidirectional interface 13 is acquired, and the simulated operationdisplay status of the virtual panel (the panel image PI shown in FIG. 9)displayed on the display screen of the host computer is controlled onthe basis of the acquired panel setting status information. Thedesignation information for the virtual panel is also acquired from thehost computer 100, and the setting status of the operation panel 1501 ofthe printer 1500 is set to correspond to that of the virtual panel onthe basis of the acquired designation information. This makes itpossible to display the panel status and the panel settings of theprinter 1500 on the virtual panel and reflect the settings of thevirtual panel on the panel of the printer 1500.

[0062]FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a virtual panel simulationsequence shown in FIG. 5 that is performed by the CPU 1, in whichprocessing steps (1) to (10) are illustrated.

[0063] First, in step (1), the CPU 1 of the host computer 100 waitsuntil current panel setting status information (stored in the RAM 16)set in the printer 1500 is transferred. In step (2), in accordance withthe input panel setting data, the CPU 1 displays the virtual panel byusing the virtual panel image PI such that the display on a display Dand indications of indicators L1 to L5 shown in FIG. 9 correspond tothose of the operation panel 1501 of the printer 1500.

[0064] Subsequently, in step (3), the CPU 1 checks whether key-lock fordisabling depression of all keys or keys except that for releasingerrors of the printer 1500 is designated. If YES in step (3), the CPU 1executes the routine of a printer panel locking process (to be describedlater) in step (10) and ends the processing.

[0065] If No in step (3), the CPU 1 checks in step (4) whether any ofvirtual keys KEY1 to KEY8 on the virtual panel image IP is designated.If NO in step (4), the flow returns to step (2). If YES in step (4), theCPU 1 displays items corresponding to the virtual keys KEY1 to KEY8 in awindow or pulldown in step (5). In step (6), the CPU 1 updates thevirtual panel mode display currently being set in accordance with theselected item. In step (7), the CPU 1 transfers the key setting statusfile corresponding to the settings of the keys KEY1 to KEY8 to theprinter 1500. The CPU 1 then updates the setting status of the operationpanel 1501 of the printer 1500 in step (8) and waits until the displaystatus of the operation panel 1501 of the 1500 is updated in step (9),thereby ending the processing. This enables the display status of theoperation panel 1501 of the printer 1500 to correspond to that of thevirtual panel in accordance with the key operations and the mode displayon the virtual panel image PI.

[0066] As described above, since the display status of the virtual panelimage IP on the CRT 10 of the host computer 100 changes in associationwith the operations on the operation panel 1501 of the printer 1500, theoperating environmental status of the printer 1500 can be easilyconfirmed on the screen of the host computer 100. In addition, inoperating the virtual keys KEY1 to KEY8 corresponding to the virtualpanel image PI on the CRT 10 of the host computer 100, an operator canperform the key operation while monitoring all items that can be set,and this key operation is reflected on the set result on the operationpanel 1501 of the printer 1500. Note that in transferring data betweenthe host computer 100 and the printer 1500, information may be exchangedbetween the host computer 100 and the printer 1500 whenever the keyoperation is performed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reaction(change in menu display or the like) for each key operation is simulatedby the host computer 100, and, after the setting is completed by thehost computer 100, the set contents are transferred to the printer 1500.However, the processing for selecting and displaying set items may alsobe executed by receiving information from the printer 1500.Consequently, a user can set the printer 1500 from the host computer 100and can also check the environmental setting status of the printer 1500without moving to the installation location of the printer.

[0067]FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a printer panel locking sequenceshown in FIG. 5 that is performed by the CPU 14, in which processingsteps (1) to (11) are illustrated.

[0068] First, in step (1), the CPU 14 of the printer 1500 checks whethersome command is input from the host computer 100. If NO in step (1), theCPU 14 checks in step (5) whether a flag for permitting inputs from thekeys arranged on the operation panel 1501 of the printer 1500 iscurrently permissible. If NO in step (5), the flow returns to step (1).If YES in step (5), the CPU 14 waits until a key input is supplied fromthe keys arranged on the operation panel 1501 of the printer 1500. Ifthe key input is obtained in step (6), the CPU 14 executes a key inputprocess in step (7), and the flow returns to step (1).

[0069] If YES in step (1), on the other hand, the CPU 14 checks in step(2) whether the input command is a command for permitting the paneloperation on the operation panel 1501 of the printer 1500. If YES instep (2), the CPU 14 sets the state “permissible” for the flag forpermitting inputs from the keys arranged on the operation panel 1501 ofthe printer 1500 in step (3) and turns a panel lamp on in step (4),thereby ending the processing.

[0070] If NO in step (2), the CPU 14 checks in step (8) whether theinput command is a command for inhibiting the panel operation on theoperation panel 1501 of the printer 1500. If NO in step (8), the CPU 14executes other corresponding processes in step (11) and ends theprocessing.

[0071] If YES in step (8), the CPU 14 sets the state “inhibited” for aflag for inhibiting inputs from the keys arranged on the operation panel1501 of the printer 1500 in step (9) and turns the panel lamp off instep (10), thereby ending the processing.

[0072] As described above, while the printer operating environment isbeing set from the virtual panel, the settings on the virtual panel aregiven priority by disabling the designation for the panel settingoperation of the printer. Therefore, in a system in which theenvironment of the printer 1500 can be set from the setup utility, thepanel simulation, or the like of the host computer 100, the operation onthe operation panel of the printer 1500 can be temporarily inhibited bya command from the host computer 100. This effectively avoids anundesirable event in which another user carelessly changes theenvironmental settings of the printer 1500 in situations where the hostcomputer and the printer 1500 are located apart from each other, i.e.,where the printer functions as a so-called shared printer, therebyobtaining desired printing results. If, however, the panel operationinhibited state set in the printer 1500 continues for a long period oftime, the function of the shared printer may be impaired. Therefore, asshown in FIG. 12, the system may be modified such that the inhibitiontime is managed by the counter function of the CPU 14, and, if apredetermined inhibition release time has elapsed, operations of thekeys of the printer 1500 are enabled.

[0073]FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing another printer panel lockingsequence different from that shown in FIG. 5 that is performed by theCPU 14, in which processing steps (1) to (15) are illustrated.

[0074] First, in step (1), the CPU 14 of the printer 1500 checks whethersome command is input from the host computer 100. If NO in step (1), theCPU 14 activates its internal counter in step (12) and checks in step(13) whether the value of the counter is equal to or larger than a countvalue which is set to release the panel operation inhibition. If NO instep (13), the flow advances to step (5) and the subsequent steps. IfYES in step (13), the CPU 14 sets the state “permissible” for the flagfor permitting inputs from the keys arranged on the operation panel 1501of the printer 1500 in step (14) and turns the panel lamp on (15).

[0075] Subsequently, in step (5), the CPU 14 checks whether the flag forpermitting inputs from the keys arranged on the operation panel 1501 ofthe printer 1500 is currently permissible. If NO in step (5), the flowreturns to step (1). If YES in step (5), the CPU 14 waits until a keyinput is supplied from the keys arranged on the operation panel 1501 ofthe printer 1500 in step (6). If the key input is obtained in step (6),the CPU 14 executes a key input process in step (7), and the flowreturns to step (1).

[0076] If YES in step (1), the CPU 14 checks in step (2) whether theinput command is a command for permitting the panel operation on theoperation panel 1501 of the printer 1500. If YES in step (2), the CPU 14sets the state “permissible” for the flag for permitting inputs from thekeys arranged on the operation panel 1501 of the printer 1500 in step(3) and turns the panel lamp on in step (4), thereby ending theprocessing.

[0077] If NO in step (2), the CPU 14 checks in step (8) whether theinput command is a command for inhibiting the panel operation on theoperation panel 1501 of the printer 1500. If NO in step (8), the CPU 14executes other corresponding processes in step (11) and ends theprocessing.

[0078] If YES in step (8), the CPU 14 sets the state “inhibited” for theflag for inhibiting inputs from the keys arranged on the operation panel1501 of the printer 1500 in step (9) and turns the panel lamp off instep (10), thereby ending the processing.

[0079] With the above arrangement, even when the key operation on theoperation panel 1501 of the printer 1500 is disabled by the commanddesignation from the host computer 100, the key operation enable statecan be automatically restored. Note that the control may be performed toenable the error release key operation on the operation panel 1501 ofthe printer 1500 if a paper feed jam or the like occurs during executionof the printer sequence by the printer mechanism 20 of the printer 1500.

[0080]FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a power source switch simulationsequence shown in FIG. 5 that is performed by the CPU 1 and the CPU 14,in which processing steps (1) to (5) are illustrated.

[0081] This sequence is started when, for example, the position P2 isdesignated by the pointing device (not shown) on the display screenshown in FIG. 6. First, in step (1), the CPU 1 checks the ON/OFF statedesignated by the virtual switch. If ON is determined in step (1) andthe printer is the laser beam printer shown in FIG. 1, power supply toH.V. is started and the printer mechanism 20 is warmed up in step (2).If the printer is the bubble jet printer as shown in FIG. 2, powersupply to various drivers is started in order to activate the cleaningmechanism of the printer head.

[0082] Subsequently, when printing becomes possible in step (3), the CPU14 transfers a printer status signal indicating a printer enable statusto the host computer 100 in step (4) and ends the processing.

[0083] If OFF is determined in step (1), power supply to parts except acommunication unit for performing communications with the host computer100 is stopped, setting an apparent off-line status.

[0084]FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an attached card simulationsequence shown in FIG. 5 that is performed by the CPU 1 and the CPU 14,in which processing steps (1) to (9) are illustrated.

[0085] First, in step (1), the CPU 14 waits until card attachment datais acquired from the printer 1500. In step (2), the CPU 14 analyzes thecard attachment data acquired to determine the card type. After thisdetermination, in step (3), the CPU 14 checks whether the card isattached to or detached from the printer 1500. If YES in step (3), theCPU 14 waits until the card attachment data is again acquired in step(8). When the card attachment data is acquired, the CPU 1 updates thevirtual card display status on the CRT 10 of the host computer 100 instep (9), and the flow returns to step (2).

[0086] If NO in step (3), the CPU 14 checks in step (4) whether theattached card is a font card (style font card for determining, e.g., theprinted style or the Gothic type). If YES in step (4), the CPU 1displays the type and contents of the font together with the virtualprinter image PIM1 in step (7) and ends the processing.

[0087] If NO in step (4), the CPU 14 checks in step (5) whether theattached card is a control card for, e.g., emulation. If NO in step (5),the flow returns to step (3). If YES in step (5), the CPU 1 displays thetype and contents of the card together with the virtual printer imagePIM1 in step (6) and ends the processing.

[0088]FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an interface simulation sequenceshown in FIG. 5 that is performed by the CPU 1, in which processingsteps (1) and (2) are illustrated.

[0089] First, in step (1), the CPU 1 of the host computer 100 acquiresinterface status data from the printer 1500. Subsequently, in step (2),the CPU 1 displays, e.g., the interface type, the communicationprotocol, and the buffer capacity allocated to that interface togetherwith the printer image PIM1 in step (2) and ends the processing.

[0090]FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing a paper feed cassette simulationsequence shown in FIG. 5 that is performed by the CPU 1, in whichprocessing steps (1) and (2) are illustrated.

[0091] First, in step (1), the CPU 1 of the host computer 100 acquirespaper feed cassette status data from the printer 1500. Subsequently, instep (2), the CPU displays the paper size and the number of remainingpapers or paper sheets of the paper feed cassette which is enabled toperform paper feed, together with the virtual printer image PIM1, andends the processing. If a plurality of paper feed cassettes can bestacked in a stack, the paper size and the number of remaining papersheets of a paper feed cassette that is given priority for paper feedmay be displayed together with the virtual printer image PIM1.

[0092]FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing a paper feed tray simulationsequence shown in FIG. 5 that is performed by the CPU 1, in whichprocessing steps (1) and (2) are illustrated.

[0093] First, in step (1), the CPU 1 of the host computer 100 acquirespaper feed tray status data from the printer 1500. Subsequently, in step(2), the CPU 1 displays the paper size and the number of remaining papersheets of a paper feed tray which is enabled to perform paper feed,together with the virtual printer image PIM1, and ends the processing.

[0094]FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an option slot simulation sequenceshown in FIG. 5 that is performed by the CPU 1, in which processingsteps (1) and (2) are illustrated.

[0095] First, in step (1), the CPU 1 of the host computer 100 acquirespaper feed tray status data from the printer 1500. Subsequently, in step(2), the CPU 1 displays the contents of an optional ROM board and/or anoptional RAM board attached to the option slot, together with thevirtual printer image PIM3, in the message window MW as shown in FIG. 8,and ends the processing.

[0096]FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing a paper delivery tray simulationsequence shown in FIG. 5 that is performed by the CPU 1, in whichprocessing steps (1) to (11) are illustrated.

[0097] First, in step (1), the CPU 1 of the host computer 100 checksfrom printer status information acquired whether the printer 1500 isexecuting paper delivery. If NO in step (1), the CPU 1 checks whetherthe position P6 corresponding to the paper delivery tray shown in FIG. 6has been designated by the cursor K with the pointing device (not shown)for a predetermined time. If YES in step (2), the CPU 1 switches the3-dimensional display of the virtual printer to a cross section displayas shown in FIG. 20 in step (3), displaying paper feed paths PATH1 toPATH3. If a paper feed jam occurs during the paper feed, the CPU 1 causea corresponding lamp to flicker at the position of the jammed paper.Note that in this printer cross section display mode, the condition ofpaper being fed is displayed as graphics in real time.

[0098] Subsequently, in the same printer cross section display state, ifthe paper delivery unit is designated by the cursor in step (4), and, ifa predetermined time has elapsed in this designation state in step (5),the CPU 1 releases the printer cross section display mode and acquirescurrent printer status data of the printer 1500 in step (6). The CPU 1then switches to the 3-dimensional display of the virtual printer instep (7) and ends the processing. Note that the switching between theprinter cross section display mode and the virtual printer need not beexecuted by the designation described above but may be performed at anygiven timing by another designation on the screen or designation fromthe key board or by detecting the change in designation status of theprinter 1500.

[0099] If YES in step (1), the CPU 1 displays a paper deliver simulationon the CRT 10 of the host computer 100 in step (8). In this case, if thetop page of virtual sheets of paper currently being delivered isdesignated by the cursor K with the pointing device (not shown), the CPU1 displays the preview image of that page on the CRT 10 of the hostcomputer 100 in step (10). The CPU 1 then waits until the paper deliveryis ended in step (11), and, when the paper delivery is ended, ends theprocessing.

[0100] Although the printer 1500 and the host computer 100 are connectedthrough an RS232C in the above embodiment, the present invention is, ofcourse, applicable to any bidirectional interface regardless of whetherthe interface is of a wired or radio type.

[0101] In some cases, a printer that is additionally registered as ausable printer is present or the key shape or the key position of aprinter is changed by changes in version or the like. Even in thesesituations, however, the virtual display processing can be realized forany such commercially available printer by registering or updatingvirtual printer image data or virtual panel image data from a floppydisk drive (not shown) connectable to the host computer 100 or from anetwork.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing apparatus comprising: acquiring means for acquiring information from a printer connected through a bidirectional interface; and control means for controlling a display status of a virtual printer, which is displayed on a display screen and represents said printer, on the basis of the information acquired by said acquiring means.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is stored in a memory of said printer and indicates an operating environmental status of said printer.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: displaying means for displaying said virtual printer and designating means for designating portions of said virtual printer, so that information concerning a portion of said virtual printer designated by said designating means is displayed on said display screen.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the information concerning the portion of said virtual printer designated by said designating means is displayed on said display means, said designating means changes the information concerning the portion, thereby setting an operating environment corresponding to said printer connected to said information processing apparatus.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information concerning the portion of said virtual printer designated by said designating means indicates an operation panel of said printer connected to said information processing apparatus.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said information processing apparatus is a host computer.
 7. An output apparatus comprising: setting means for setting an operating environment; and changing means for changing operating environment information set by said setting means on the basis of information acquired from an information processing apparatus connected through a bidirectional interface.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said setting means is an operation panel of said output apparatus.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: inhibiting means for causing said setting means to inhibit setting the operating environment information performed said changing means changes the operating environment information on the basis of the information acquired.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said information processing apparatus is a host computer.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said output apparatus is a laser beam printer. 